Jessica Radicke
January 2025
Jessica
Radicke
,
MSN, RN, CCCTM, BMTCN, OCN
TJUH BMT & 3 East
Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
Philadelphia
,
PA
United States
Jessica is a true role model in nursing practice, promoting professionalism, growth, and excellence. She supports staff development by encouraging conference attendance and educational advancement and actively seeks evidence-based practices to share with her team.
I am honored to nominate Jessica Radicke for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Jessica has dedicated her entire career to the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit, beginning as a nurse extern and advancing to her current role as nurse manager. Her career exemplifies dedication to patient care, commitment to community service, and leadership that inspires her team to achieve excellence.
Jessica’s professionalism and leadership on the BMT unit are nothing short of extraordinary. She consistently fosters an environment grounded in trust, respect, and accountability, ensuring that each team member feels valued and appreciated. As her staff attest, “Jess has been nothing but amazing in every area as a manager… she keeps the unit in tip-top shape, is respectful and caring to all staff needs, and ensures each team member feels appreciated.” Her responsiveness to the team’s needs—whether for mentorship, guidance, or hands-on support—is a testament to her availability and genuine care. A nurse recalls a challenging moment when Jessica arrived immediately to assist with a critical bedside procedure, saying, “Her team knows her to be available and responsive,” which creates an environment where concerns and needs are openly communicated. All the staff can attest that if you need her, she will be there.
Jessica is a true role model in nursing practice, promoting professionalism, growth, and excellence. She supports staff development by encouraging conference attendance and educational advancement and actively seeks evidence-based practices to share with her team. Her staff describes her as someone who “values evidence-based practice” and “constantly supports career advancement,” celebrating each team member’s achievements with genuine enthusiasm. Recently, Jess went out of her way to stay late to cover a staff member's assignment who needed to attend a meeting regarding their clinical placement for school. She was supportive and non-punitive and even stayed to discuss the meeting after and provide sage advice.
Last year, Jessica was entrusted with managing an additional nursing unit, and she approached this responsibility with her characteristic dedication. On her first day, she went room to room, inspecting equipment and placing work orders for every issue she encountered—from broken computers and medical equipment needing service to areas requiring paint and repairs. This attention to detail and commitment to improving the environment made a powerful difference to her team, enhancing their workspaces and ensuring they felt cared for and seen. Although our BMT team may not see her as often due to her added responsibilities, we take comfort in knowing that Jessica’s exceptional leadership is benefiting other Jefferson Health staff and patients.
Jessica’s approachability and genuine care remain evident, as she ensures she is accessible whenever she is present on the unit. By positioning herself in an open area by the nurses' station, Jessica creates a welcoming atmosphere where staff feel comfortable reaching out, knowing she is available to support them in any area of life. She takes time to connect with each team member, following up on both personal and professional matters, which fosters a deeply trusting and supportive work environment.
Two ways she does this are by sending frequent kudos to staff and following up on concerns. When she notices a staff member stand up for quality and safety, by escalating concerns or making a good catch, Jess will have sent that person a ‘kudos’ before the end of the day. If she notices staff going out of their way or hears a staff member acknowledged by a patient, she will always send a kudos. If a staff member submits an OnPoint, Jess will follow up with the staff member to validate to them that the OnPoint concerns were acknowledged. She understands how valuable it is to keep staff aware of the unit goings on and changes.
Beyond her responsibilities in the hospital, Jessica’s impact resonates in the broader community. She was on the Executive Leadership Team this year for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Big Climb Philly, raising thousands of dollars for LLS. She engaged the BMT inpatient and outpatient staff and their families to participate in the event, resulting in Jefferson Health’s largest LLS event turn out to date. Her involvement extends further through her leadership with the Jefferson Helping Hands Fund. The Helping Hands Fund was created by Jefferson nurses to provide funds to support cancer patients and their families by offsetting the cost of parking, meals, medications, transportation and other unique needs while receiving care in center city. Jess is on the organizing committee for the yearly Helping Hands Fund Gala and hosts other hospital-based fundraisers, demonstrating her dedication to causes that benefit her patients and the community. Her staff note her commitment to charitable efforts, saying, “Her involvement in charitable efforts throughout the Philadelphia community encourages her staff members to do the same.”
Jessica embodies all the qualities of an exceptional nurse leader, consistently inspiring her team, serving as a pillar of support for her patients and staff, and elevating the profession of nursing through her actions and advocacy. For her dedication, compassion, and exceptional leadership, I strongly recommend Jessica Radicke for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She is an exemplary candidate, and I am confident that her influence will continue to enrich the lives of all those she encounters.
Staff comments:
1. “Jess has been an amazing manager since I've joined the BMT team. From day one Jess has been nothing but amazing in every area as a manager and one of the best managers I've had since being at Jefferson since 2013. Jess displays professionalism and leadership skills, she keeps the unit in tip top shape, she's very respectful and caring to all staff needs and requests, she ensures all staff members feel appreciated and wants nothing but the best for each member and lastly Jess is always helpful when any staff member is in need of any help. Jess is the true definition of what Jefferson would call an exceptional manager and would nominate for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.”
2. “I truly feel blessed to be able to work for a manager as kind, supportive and compassionate as Jess. She embodies the qualities a great nurse manager should have. She is always willing to help when needed, supports us in tough times and makes the unit warm and welcoming for everyone.”
3. “Here are a few examples of why Jess is the BEST!!!
Provides guidance and support to team members:
Jess constantly supports her team members' goals of career advancement within the field of nursing. She encourages conference attendance and educational opportunities and will work with her staff members to make these opportunities happen. She values evidence-based practice and will be the first to forward along new research she has come across pertaining to our practice or offer clarification if you mention that you are struggling to find a particular policy or procedure. To her team, it is clear that Jess cares deeply about their personal and professional successes and she is the first to tell you she is proud of you, send a kudo for a job well done, or extend a thank you for going the extra mile. The work we do on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit is by nature emotionally taxing, and it is these small celebrations that keep us going.
Promotes nursing within the organization and the broader community:
Jess is a role model both on and off the unit. She leads by example. Her involvement in charitable efforts throughout the Philadelphia community encourages her staff members to do the same. Each year, she makes food for and attends the Hope Lodge Holiday Dinners, which help to bring homemade meals and an ounce of joy to our patients whose cancer care necessitates that they stay locally during the holiday season. She leads the unit's effort to make baskets for the Helping Hand's fundraiser held each year to raise critical funds for our patients. Each year, she attends The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night event in support of those with blood cancers and their families. Honestly, I don't know when she sleeps!
Is available and responsive to team needs:
I distinctly remember one early morning when a critical patient required a bedside pericardiocentesis - a procedure not often done on our unit. Jess had just come in for the day, and within seconds of learning of the situation, she was at the bedside in a bouffant cap, ready to help where needed. Her team knows her to be available and responsive and because of this, we are able to openly and honestly discuss our concerns with her and ask for help when needed. She is a champion not only for her patients and their families, but also for her employees.
Jessica’s professionalism and leadership on the BMT unit are nothing short of extraordinary. She consistently fosters an environment grounded in trust, respect, and accountability, ensuring that each team member feels valued and appreciated. As her staff attest, “Jess has been nothing but amazing in every area as a manager… she keeps the unit in tip-top shape, is respectful and caring to all staff needs, and ensures each team member feels appreciated.” Her responsiveness to the team’s needs—whether for mentorship, guidance, or hands-on support—is a testament to her availability and genuine care. A nurse recalls a challenging moment when Jessica arrived immediately to assist with a critical bedside procedure, saying, “Her team knows her to be available and responsive,” which creates an environment where concerns and needs are openly communicated. All the staff can attest that if you need her, she will be there.
Jessica is a true role model in nursing practice, promoting professionalism, growth, and excellence. She supports staff development by encouraging conference attendance and educational advancement and actively seeks evidence-based practices to share with her team. Her staff describes her as someone who “values evidence-based practice” and “constantly supports career advancement,” celebrating each team member’s achievements with genuine enthusiasm. Recently, Jess went out of her way to stay late to cover a staff member's assignment who needed to attend a meeting regarding their clinical placement for school. She was supportive and non-punitive and even stayed to discuss the meeting after and provide sage advice.
Last year, Jessica was entrusted with managing an additional nursing unit, and she approached this responsibility with her characteristic dedication. On her first day, she went room to room, inspecting equipment and placing work orders for every issue she encountered—from broken computers and medical equipment needing service to areas requiring paint and repairs. This attention to detail and commitment to improving the environment made a powerful difference to her team, enhancing their workspaces and ensuring they felt cared for and seen. Although our BMT team may not see her as often due to her added responsibilities, we take comfort in knowing that Jessica’s exceptional leadership is benefiting other Jefferson Health staff and patients.
Jessica’s approachability and genuine care remain evident, as she ensures she is accessible whenever she is present on the unit. By positioning herself in an open area by the nurses' station, Jessica creates a welcoming atmosphere where staff feel comfortable reaching out, knowing she is available to support them in any area of life. She takes time to connect with each team member, following up on both personal and professional matters, which fosters a deeply trusting and supportive work environment.
Two ways she does this are by sending frequent kudos to staff and following up on concerns. When she notices a staff member stand up for quality and safety, by escalating concerns or making a good catch, Jess will have sent that person a ‘kudos’ before the end of the day. If she notices staff going out of their way or hears a staff member acknowledged by a patient, she will always send a kudos. If a staff member submits an OnPoint, Jess will follow up with the staff member to validate to them that the OnPoint concerns were acknowledged. She understands how valuable it is to keep staff aware of the unit goings on and changes.
Beyond her responsibilities in the hospital, Jessica’s impact resonates in the broader community. She was on the Executive Leadership Team this year for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Big Climb Philly, raising thousands of dollars for LLS. She engaged the BMT inpatient and outpatient staff and their families to participate in the event, resulting in Jefferson Health’s largest LLS event turn out to date. Her involvement extends further through her leadership with the Jefferson Helping Hands Fund. The Helping Hands Fund was created by Jefferson nurses to provide funds to support cancer patients and their families by offsetting the cost of parking, meals, medications, transportation and other unique needs while receiving care in center city. Jess is on the organizing committee for the yearly Helping Hands Fund Gala and hosts other hospital-based fundraisers, demonstrating her dedication to causes that benefit her patients and the community. Her staff note her commitment to charitable efforts, saying, “Her involvement in charitable efforts throughout the Philadelphia community encourages her staff members to do the same.”
Jessica embodies all the qualities of an exceptional nurse leader, consistently inspiring her team, serving as a pillar of support for her patients and staff, and elevating the profession of nursing through her actions and advocacy. For her dedication, compassion, and exceptional leadership, I strongly recommend Jessica Radicke for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She is an exemplary candidate, and I am confident that her influence will continue to enrich the lives of all those she encounters.
Staff comments:
1. “Jess has been an amazing manager since I've joined the BMT team. From day one Jess has been nothing but amazing in every area as a manager and one of the best managers I've had since being at Jefferson since 2013. Jess displays professionalism and leadership skills, she keeps the unit in tip top shape, she's very respectful and caring to all staff needs and requests, she ensures all staff members feel appreciated and wants nothing but the best for each member and lastly Jess is always helpful when any staff member is in need of any help. Jess is the true definition of what Jefferson would call an exceptional manager and would nominate for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.”
2. “I truly feel blessed to be able to work for a manager as kind, supportive and compassionate as Jess. She embodies the qualities a great nurse manager should have. She is always willing to help when needed, supports us in tough times and makes the unit warm and welcoming for everyone.”
3. “Here are a few examples of why Jess is the BEST!!!
Provides guidance and support to team members:
Jess constantly supports her team members' goals of career advancement within the field of nursing. She encourages conference attendance and educational opportunities and will work with her staff members to make these opportunities happen. She values evidence-based practice and will be the first to forward along new research she has come across pertaining to our practice or offer clarification if you mention that you are struggling to find a particular policy or procedure. To her team, it is clear that Jess cares deeply about their personal and professional successes and she is the first to tell you she is proud of you, send a kudo for a job well done, or extend a thank you for going the extra mile. The work we do on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit is by nature emotionally taxing, and it is these small celebrations that keep us going.
Promotes nursing within the organization and the broader community:
Jess is a role model both on and off the unit. She leads by example. Her involvement in charitable efforts throughout the Philadelphia community encourages her staff members to do the same. Each year, she makes food for and attends the Hope Lodge Holiday Dinners, which help to bring homemade meals and an ounce of joy to our patients whose cancer care necessitates that they stay locally during the holiday season. She leads the unit's effort to make baskets for the Helping Hand's fundraiser held each year to raise critical funds for our patients. Each year, she attends The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night event in support of those with blood cancers and their families. Honestly, I don't know when she sleeps!
Is available and responsive to team needs:
I distinctly remember one early morning when a critical patient required a bedside pericardiocentesis - a procedure not often done on our unit. Jess had just come in for the day, and within seconds of learning of the situation, she was at the bedside in a bouffant cap, ready to help where needed. Her team knows her to be available and responsive and because of this, we are able to openly and honestly discuss our concerns with her and ask for help when needed. She is a champion not only for her patients and their families, but also for her employees.